Hans Haacke / Walter Grasskamp, Molly Nesbit, Jon Bird.

London ; New York : Phaidon Press, 2004

160 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 29 cm.

Contemporary artists

Hans Haacke. When New York-based Hans Haacke co-represented (with Nam June Paik) his native Germany at the XLV Venice Biennale in 1993, the pavilion was empty except for the solitary word 'GERMANIA' written on the back wall, and the marble floor had been smashed. This unforgettable installation, co-recipient of a prestigious Golden Lion award, represented Germany's re-evaluation of its present in the light of its history since 1933. Though he began as a painter, Haacke later began to make works such as Raintower (1962) which drew on natural energies and forces. Subsequent works, for example the opinion-based MOMA-Poll (1970), encouraged active audience participation. The artist is particularly admired for his research into the art world's hidden economies and politics, as well as into the repressed histories of places and people. Resulting artworks (such as his project for the Reichstag in Berlin, DER BEVÖLKERUNG [TO THE POPULATION, 1999]) have often drawn immense controversy. Haacke is a unique figure in post-war art, and his work has touched on such diverse movements as Conceptual, Pop, Minimal and Land art. His integrity as well as the formal innovations of his art have proven hugely influential for many generations of contemporary artists. Haacke has participated in such landmark group exhibitions as 'When Attitudes Become Form', Kunsthalle Bern, and tour (1969), and 'Information' at The Museum of Modern Art, New York (1970). He has been featured in four Documentas, Kassel (1972, 1982, 1987 and 1997), both 'Skulptur. Projekte in Münster' exhibitions (1987 and 1997), and three Venice Biennales (1976, 1978 and 1993). German art historian Walter Grasskamp surveys the artist's career with an emphasis on the innovations he has brought to the notion of 'public art'. In the Interview, American art historian Molly Nesbit discusses with the artist his working practices and his sometimes turbulent relatoinship with the art world. London-based critic Jon Bird focuses on Mixed Messages, Haacke's presentation of works from the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum at the Serpentine Gallery, London (2001). The Artist's Choice, excerpts from Writing the Truth: Five Difficulties (1934/35) by Bertolt Brecht (1898-1956), reflects Haacke's approach to his own work. The Artist's Writings include an excerpt from Free Exchange (1995), his book-length conversation with Pierre Bourdieu; and an essay on his controversial project for the Reichstag in Berlin (1999-200). -- From book flap.
This book forms part of a series that presents a critical appraisal of some of the most innovative and controversial contemporary artists in the world. Each book contains an art historical appreciation of the artist's work and a substantial new interview with each artist.

9780714843193 (paperback)
0714843199 (paperback)

Haacke, Hans, 1936- Criticism and interpretation.
Haacke, Hans, 1936- Interviews.
Haacke, Hans, 1936-
Haacke, Hans, 1936- Critique et interprétation.
Conceptuele kunst.

Criticism, interpretation, etc.
Interviews.

Grasskamp, Walter, contributor.
Nesbit, Molly, 1952- interviewer.
Bird, Jon, contributor.
Brecht, Bertolt, 1898-1956, contributor.
Haacke, Hans, 1936- artist, author.
Haacke, Hans, 1936-
Nesbit, Molly, 1952-
Bird, Jon
Contemporary artists.

Location: Library main 238094
Call No.: BIB 167949
Status: Available